Duncan board approves $76,000 water-tower maintenance contract, adopts noise ordinance and clears routine business

The Village of Duncan Board of Trustees on Nov. 10 accepted a $76,000 bid from Maguire Iron for water-tower maintenance and adopted an amendment to the village's loud/disturbing-noise ordinance, among several other routine actions.

Chairperson Gary Schlesinger called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and noted that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act was available for public inspection. After approving the Oct. 13 meeting minutes (Trustee Nick Wagoner moved; Lance Denbo seconded; Ratcliffe abstained), the board heard a presentation from Viv Novotny of JEO Engineering. Novotny introduced herself, distributed informational booklets to trustees and summarized JEO's history and her experience as part of the firm's interview to continue serving as the village engineer.

Following JEO's recommendation, the board voted unanimously to accept Maguire Iron's bid of $76,000 for water-tower maintenance (motion by Chairperson Gary Schlesinger; second: Nick Wagoner; voting aye: Denbo, Wagoner, Schlesinger, Ratcliffe, Steyn). The board recorded the award as a routine contract approval to address maintenance needs identified by the village engineer.

The board also considered and approved Ordinance 25-214, an amendment to the village's loud/disturbing-noise ordinance. Chairperson Schlesinger read the ordinance aloud; the trustees first voted to waive the second and third readings (motion by Schlesinger; second by Van Steyn) and then unanimously approved the ordinance.

Other formal actions included approving Resolution R25-301 certifying the Street Superintendent's year end (motion by Jerusha Ratcliffe; second: Lance Denbo; unanimous vote), authorizing the 2025 Holiday Lighting Contest with existing prize amounts (motion by Ratcliffe; second: Steyn; unanimous), and allowing each trustee to order one long-sleeve and one polo shirt with the village logo from Columbus Custom Embroidery (motion by Van Steyn; second: Ratcliffe; unanimous).

Utility Superintendent Doug Michalak reported on staffing and infrastructure matters. He said four applicants applied for a back-up water/maintenance position but two scheduled interviewees did not appear; the board voted to keep the position posted until the next meeting to seek additional applicants. Michalak also reported that Johnson's Service televised a sewer line struck by Obrist during a water-line installation near Tasty Toppings and found it needs repair; Michalak said he would forward the matter to JEO because the work remains under warranty.

Chairperson Schlesinger told trustees the village received black rubber mulch for park use, delivered free from Fremont by Mitch Sliva Trucking and currently stored at the water plant; trustees agreed to postpone exchange of mulch until spring and approved Michalak's request to purchase and install a snow fence at the west park to reduce debris accumulation.

Treasurer Michelle Schindel reviewed the monthly recap and bills; trustees voted unanimously to pay the bills (motion by Jerusha Ratcliffe; second: Chairperson Schlesinger). With no further business, Schlesinger adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Maguire Iron water-tower maintenance contract — approved (5–0); Ord. 25-214, waive readings — approved (5–0); Ord. 25-214 adoption — approved (5–0); R25-301 year-end certification — approved (5–0); 2025 Holiday Lighting Contest — approved (5–0); trustee village shirts — approved (5–0); keep back-up water/maintenance position posted — approved (5–0); bills — approved (5–0).